Chester Cook and His '91 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic

I have known Chester for a little over three years. He has a legacy of drag racing and has been riding almost his entire life. He works very hard and motorcycling is his outlet. He is a great friend and always has a story to tell.

Chester used to work at the local KCIR drag strip, and ran the track for the Wednesday night bike nights. Guys like Ray Worth, Wobblin Wally, Ted Kassner, Don Burlington, Gary McRenolds, Larry James and Hal Cornell all raced. He even had the honor of starting the 1975 bike drags for Steve Hatfield of Hatfield High Wheelers.

One of Chester most memorable drag racing experiences was when he got to start a drag race for Marion Owens, Granddaddy Joe Smith, Mike Bruso and Terry Vance. The Wednesday night before the race, Mike Bruso was betting that he could ride anyone’s bike faster than they could and win! The local TV stations got a hold of this and came out that Thursday to televise the event. Terry Vance of Vance & Hines and Mike Bruso were doing awesome burnouts and that was all caught on video. I wish I could have been there!

CC: Chester, what is your occupation? Chester: I’m an elevator man.

CC: Do you have any hobbies other than motorcycling?Chester: Primarily drag racing—all types.

CC: Why do you ride? Chester: For relaxation and chilling with my friends.

CC: How long have you been riding? Chester: Since I was 12 years old.

CC: What was your first bike? Chester: My first bike was a Gemini 80.

CC: How many bikes have you owned? Chester: Five. The Gemini 80, a Suzuki 90, a '72 H2 Kawasaki, a '80 Wide Glide and my '91 Ultra Classic

CC: How many bikes do you currently own? Chester: Just the Ultra Classic.

CC: What do you like most about your Ultra Classic? Chester: It is a very comfortable ride and I love having music when I ride.